Hurst Green Station, Hurst Green Halt (Closed), Hurst Green Junction and Limpsfield Tunnel
Subsequently a junction was created south of Hurst Green (then a simple railway halt taking a maximum of two carriages), and a line was constructed from the Hurst Green junction south through Edenbridge (called Edenbridge Town from 1 May 1896), Hever, Cowden and Ashurst to join with the existing line from East Grinstead through Withyham to Tunbridge Wells. This line opened to passengers on 1 October 1888 and is covered in a separate collection.
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*** GALLERY UNDER RECONSTRUCTION - IMAGES ARE OUT OF ORDER AND DO NOT HAVE THE CORRECT CAPTIONS. Hurst Green station building, together with the forecourt on the western side, pictured on 14.02.1981. Litter covers the grass bank and the station chimney is smoking gently.
The main entrance to Hurst Green Station, which is on the western side of the station and gives level access to the northbound platform. The building is of brick construction, and was looking reasonably smart having just been painted in "Southern" colours. 14.09.2008
Hurst Green Station building looking south. The grey cabinets are cycle lockers, which is a good idea for security, but they don't enhance what is already a very drab station building. On the extreme left is the "out of hours" entrance for when the building is locked, but it's presence at the far end of the forecourt is not very obvious to strangers. 31.05.2021 20910
On the eastern side of the station there is a simple level access to the southbound platform. 14.09.2008
At the northern end of Hurst Green station is the southern portal of Limpsfield Tunnel. Different reference sources variously quote the length as either 551 or 565 yards. 18.05.2008
Looking towards Limpsfield Tunnel in 1998. The scene is typical of the line at the time, with overhanging trees, graffiti and a rusting apparatus case. 09.10.1998
The northbound automatic signal that protects the section through the tunnel (OD20, denoting a signal controlled by the Oxted signal box). Note the height of the hill above the tunnel. 18.05.2008
Roughly the same view on 31.05.2021. The signal has been converted to LED operation, and the end of the platform has been blocked by a gate and a "no-walk" surface. There are the now obligatory group of warning signs which just state the obvious, plus a more useful notice from "The Samaritans". 18183
In 2008, Turbostar 171730 arrives on a Sunday service from Oxted to Uckfield. On Sundays Uckfield line trains used the bay platform at Oxted and did not venture into London. Two cars apparently sufficed. 18.05.2008
The platform side of the northbound building at Hurst Green Station, looking north. The current station, which will take 12 coaches, was opened on 12 June 1961 following extensive post-war housing development in the area. The former two coach Halt south of the road bridge was then closed and demolished. 18.05.2008
A second view of the northbound station building from platform level. The building was locked, access to the platform being provided by a side gate. There is not exactly a queue of passengers on a Sunday. 18.05.2008
The reverse of the previous view, looking south towards the northbound platform. Beyond the station an unusually tall radio mast provides Cab Secure Radio and National Railway Network communications. 18.05.2008
Hurst Green platform shelter, 14 02 1981 E
Accommodation on the southbound platform is less generous, with a simple brick built open shelter. Not ideal for chilly weather, especially since this is a potential interchange point between Uckfield and East Grinstead services. 18.05.2008
Turbostar 171730 departs south en route to Uckfield having deposited three passengers. 18.05.2008
Engineering works at Hurst Green, Sun 19 04 1970 E
Engineering works at Hurst Green, Sun 19 04 1970, with 6572 (blue) E
A low resolution picture taken in 1998, looking north from the northbound platform, shows the old digital clocks and departure boards. 09.10.1998
Looking north from the footbridge at Hurst Green Station. In the left foreground is a bracket for the old digital station clock (featured in a later photo). The clocks are long gone, but the brackets remain at many stations on the line. Obviously they were sunk rather firmly into the platforms! 18.05.2008
A concrete footbridge is not the most attractive of structures, but at least an attempt has been made to make this one a bit brighter. 18.05.2008
Looking south from the northern end of the station building. Electronic train departure information is provided on both platforms. 18.05.2008
Looking south from slightly further down the northbound platform in 2008, the southbound starting signal located under the footbridge at the end of the platform and the repeater can be seen. 18.05.2008
Again approximately the same view ten years ago in 1998. The station looks untidy and overgrown. 09.10.1998
The same view in 1998 catches the station in Connex blue and yellow. Contrast the standards of care with the previous picture. Ten years ago grass was growing on the platform and the whole area looks dirty. At least it is now kept tidy even if the concrete is unsightly. 09.10.1998
Frankly Hurst Green Station is a depressing environment, with a sea of concrete typical of the period in which it was constructed. At least the adjacent trees provide some relief and as yet the station has been spared the terrible security fencing evident at Oxted. This view looks south from the northern end of the northbound platform. 18.05.2008
